Chair of the board of NERAM Limited, Meg Larkin, said the board voted unanimously to extend Ms Downer's contract (originally for one year to October 2009, now extended to 2012).

"The first year of NERAM's operation under its new structure has been both exciting and successful," Ms Larkin said.

"There has been an excellent program of exhibitions and programs.

"Attendances have increased dramatically and there has been much positive feedback on the quality, variety and interest of the activities at the museum.

"This is due to the leadership and professionalism of Caroline and her team."

Ms Larkin said that managing a museum of NERAM's calibre requires a high degree of forward planning and careful organisation, and it was important for the museum to have professional, committed and stable staff.

Ms Downer said NERAM provided 'an amazing cultural resource' for the region.

"I am looking forward to working with the New England community to create an exciting and vibrant place with memorable arts experiences, a place where people feel welcome to return," she said."

Other members of the NERAM staff team confirmed are Christine Durham (operations manager/education officer), Philippa Charley-Briggs (curator) and Benjamin Thorn (museum officer/Museum of Printing).

This core team is supplemented by contract and casual staff who assist in graphic design and shop management.

NERAM has some superb exhibitions and feature events planned.

Next year, the museum will host a Nora Heysen exhibition, a Max Dupain photography exhibition from the National Archives and will celebrate the permanent collections in an installation of the entire museum.

Day and night art classes, artist and curator floor talks, family days and school holiday workshops are also on the agenda.